“Have you been vaccinated yet?”, there is a good chance that you have already asked or received this question. It’s a very personal question that has suddenly become quite normal to ask. But an answer to this can cause a lot of discussion, so not everyone will want to express themselves about it.
According to psychology professor Jan Derksen, it is important that there is openness about this theme. “But be aware that such a question can have consequences for the relationship between colleagues or friends. It is an important theme for people. It is about illness and possibly death.”
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According to him, vaccinated people naturally want other people to be vaccinated as well. It is about safety. “Then it is difficult when someone comes out that they have not been vaccinated.” However, he believes it is important to be open and honest about it. “Clarity of communication is important. You can give an honest answer and if you are asked further, answer with: ‘I don’t have to respond to that’.”
Keep distance
“If you immediately say that you do not have to answer, then the other person may immediately think that you have not been vaccinated. By first answering and then saying that you do not have to respond, you automatically let the other know that you have not been vaccinated. want to keep your distance.”
That distance can be difficult when it comes to good friends than, for example, with colleagues who are a bit further away from you. “If you and your friends disagree, things can get complicated. But you have to learn to live with it.”
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Secret psychologist Andreas Wismeijer compares the situation with expressing your political preference. “You don’t discuss it quickly at work either, because if you speak out about it, you can quickly take offense.”
Rejection
However, the other way around, we also find it annoying when someone does not speak out about it. “That’s because we feel that information is being withheld from us when we do need it. If someone doesn’t tell you, you feel rejected and that is not good for the relationship of trust.”
According to Wismeijer, the question is important enough to ask it anyway. After all, it’s about our safety. “It’s going to be an awkward conversation anyway.”
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